Hong Lab

In high throughput chemical screening, our laboratory has discovered a number of novel small molecules that perturb zebrafish embryonic patterning. The first goal is to study how these small molecules function by identifying their cellular targets using cell biological and biochemical approaches. For example, we discovered dorsomorphin, the first selective BMP signaling inhibitor. Moreover, we have identified potent and specific modulators of other important cell signaling pathways, including wnt, hedgehog and lipid signaling pathways. The second goal is to explore whether these small molecules promote development of specific cell and tissue types in pluripotent stem cell models. Lastly, since aberrant activities of many of developmental pathways are thought to play a major role in pathogenesis of variety of human diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases and anemia, an important goal is to explore therapeutic potential of chemical modulation of these pathways in various murine disease models. Toward the last goal, we have an active medicinal chemistry program.